15 January 2024 , 11:44
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Manchester United's interest in Michael Olise isn't fully approved by everyone behind the scenes at Old Trafford, it has been claimed.
Olise signed a new contract with Crystal Palace last summer, despite interest from Chelsea. The French under-21 international's new deal is understood to contain a release clause in the region of £60m, though this won't come into effect until the summer.
The former Reading starlet missed the start of the season after suffering a hamstring injury at the European Under-21 Championships but has scored five times in nine appearances since returning to action. His form, both last season of this, has seen both United and neighbours Manchester City linked with a summer move, along with Chelsea and Liverpool.
If United are to push ahead, though, it appears some within the club will need convincing. Part of the issue, according to fresh reports, concerns their recent record of recruiting from Selhurst Park.
According to ESPN, a move for Olise would involve defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka returning to Palace. United exercised an automatic extension option on Wan-Bissaka's contract earlier this season to protect their investment, but the £50m man's current deal now expires in June 2025.
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However, Wan-Bissaka's struggles at Old Trafford are said to be behind the reservations held by some at United over Olise. The defender hasn't hit the heights expected of him since joining from Palace in 2019, while another former Eagles star - forward Wilfried Zaha - swiftly returned to South London after struggling during a brief spell as a United player.
Those favouring a move are said to believe Olise can help solve long-standing issues in the wide-forward positions. Big-money signing Antony has yet to score or set up a goal this season, while fellow wide-men Facundo Pellistri and Amad have yet to develop into first-team regulars after joining the club during the 2020-21 season.
Should Manchester United move for Michael Olise? Have your say in the comments section
Michael Olise has scored five times for Crystal Palace this season (Dave Shopland/REX/Shutterstock)United started with Alejandro Garnacho on the right and Marcus Rashford on the left for their 2-2 draw with Tottenham on Sunday. Rashford scored his first Old Trafford goal of the season to give Erik ten Hag's team a half-time lead, only for Rodrigo Bentancur to level things up early in the second period.
“When you score two great goals and you concede two such soft goals, then you are a bit disappointed," Ten Hag told reporters after the final whistle. "I’m also pleased with the performance of the team because it was a good spirit and in stages of the game they played decent football.
“We have seen glimpses [of Rashford being back to his best]," the manager added. "The cooperation with [Rasmus] Hojlund is growing. The first goal was prepared by Rashford for Hojlund. He also scored a very good goal, so I’m pleased with that.
"We are improving and we’ve seen a glimpse of the future with Garnacho, Mainoo, Hojlund of course. I’m very pleased players are returning, like [Lisandro] Martinez, Casemiro and [Luke] Shaw. I’m sure we’ll have a strong side.”